While nothing running tonight is in the same league as Ayamzaman, Fernhill Jess is no stranger to its winner’s podium

Jim Austin

The Romford specialist, in that he combines good trapping with a terrific burst of acceleration, and it is no coincidence that 22 of his 24 career victories have come at the Essex track. Standby for the 23rd!

Unusual for a heat of a Romford fourbend stake, there isn’t a great deal of early speed, which makes the job of Mark Wallis’ star straightforward and this could easily become a case of dial-a-distance.

While nothing running tonight can confess to being in the same league as Ayamzaman, Fernhill Jess (8.31) is no stranger to its winner’s podium having taken to it six times from 13 starts.

Dave Allen’s bitch steps back up to four bends for heat three having been on sprinting duties and is on a hat-trick mission following strikes at Henlow and Wimbledon.

A little off-putting is the fact that she is winless from three attempts from the Romford six-box, but a level break should be enough for her to put the record straight.

Dean Childs’ two entries have found themselves in the same heat and drawn alongside. The Hove trainer has a strong hand providing his duo don’t take each other’s ground early, with Airforce Allstar (7.58) preferred.

Nottingham stage a couple of trial stakes for the Betfred Eclipse, with Whittle Murtagh (8.04) fancied to overcome a tricky trap four draw.

Tyrur Willyjoe (9.07) should race up with the speed and the former Irish tracker can continue to make steady progress on these shores.

There’s nothing straightforward about the Betfred.com Maiden Standard Trophy final, although Devilacare (9.22) was the fastest heat winner when making a successful